METHOD OF DISPOSAL OF HOT WATER SOLUBLE GARMENTS AND LIKE FABRICS

Abstract: A method of disposing of garments after use. The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber, the fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above approximately 37 DEG C and preferably above 50 DEG C. After use, the fabric is subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the fabric whereupon the water and dissolved fabric are subjected to disposal.

Description: METHOD OF DISPOSAL OF HOT WATER SOLUBLE GARMENTS AND LIKE FABRICS TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention involves a method of disposin of garments after use. Specifically, the garments are compose of non-woven, woven, knitted or otherwise formed film o fabric of thermoplastic polymer or fiber which are wate soluble at temperatures only above approximately normal huma body temperature (37°C) . BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Hospital patient care generates considerabl quantities of infectious medical waste in primary and acut care facilities. There has been a general conversion fro reusable, cleanable items, to disposable items over the las three decades. These conversions were made to promot antiseptic techniques in patient care and to decrease th potential for cross-infections between patients, staff and th general public. Recent federal and state governmen regulations such as the Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 an OSHA Medical Facility rules have resulted in a substantia increase in medical waste that must be classified a "infectious." When a patient is admitted to a hospital, the patien produces approximately 55 pounds of medical waste per day. Approximately 20% of this waste is infectious. The curren stated objective of the American Hospital Association and th Centers for Disease Control is to treat medical waste as soo as it is generated. Both organizations recognize that medica waste is primarily an occupational hazard for health car workers and not an environmental problem. The best way t deal with infectious medical waste is to disinfect it at th point of generation and dispose of the treated medical wast with minimum handling and storage on premises. The need for an effective way to dispose of medica waste has been highlighted by the amendment made to 29 C.F.R. 1910.1030 which provides for the federal regulation under th Occupational Safety And Health Act, 29 U.S.C. 655, 657 t control bloodborne pathogens. Specifically, the Act calls for the establishment of an exposure control plan, the containment of specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials and the general tightening of precautionary measures to minimize the spread of disease. A safe and effective way to dispose of hospital waste in the form of soiled garments and apparel would greatly facilitate compliance with the above-referenced Act. As a result, consumption of medical disposable woven or non-woven products has been growing at a rate of approximately 10% a year. In 1988, sales totaled approximately 1.155 Billion Dollars. It is projected that by 1992, sales of medical disposable non-woven products will reach 1.54 Billion Dollars. Disposable medical fabrics are generally currently composed of thermoplastic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, polyamides and acrylics. These fabrics can also include mixtures of thermoset fibers such as polyamides, polyarimids and cellulosics. They are typically 10-100 grams per square yard in weight and can be woven, knitted or otherwise formed by methods well known to those in the textile arts while the non-wovens can be thermobonded, hydroentangled, wet laid or needle punched and films can be formed by blow or cast extrusion or by solution casting. Although there is clearly a benefit in the use of disposables in the medical arts by avoiding the necessity of human contact with medical waste which is necessary in the cleaning of comparable reusables, non-biodegradable disposables are posing a problem which is only now being recognized. Landfill sites are becoming increasingly burdened with disposables which do not biodegrade for hundreds of years, if ever. As landfill sites become fully exploited, new sites must be found which are rightfully opposed by residents located proximate to proposed site locations. It is clear that others have produced useful articles which at least break down or are caused to change their physical confirmation when subjected to hot aqueous solutions. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,314,809 teaches the production of transparent flexible films from hydroxypropyl cellulose which is taught to be "insoluble in water until the wate reaches a temperature of about 60° C." However, hydroxypropy cellulose, unlike polyvinyl alcohol, does not solubilize i water but simply breaks down forming a cellulose derivativ residue. The prior art has recognized uses for polyviny alcohol compositions in the manufacture of water solubl useful articles. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,413,22 teaches the production of water soluble bags or pouches fro which packets or the like are produced containing suc materials as detergents, bleaches, insecticides, medicinals chemicals, dyes, pigments, industrial additives and othe materials. It is taught that the contents of the packets ar dispersed merely by dropping the packets into water whereupo the bags dissolve and release their contents into aqueou dispersions. However, the referenced patent teaches th production of such films which are both hot and cold wate soluble. Additional references, such as U.S. Patent No 3,859,125 teach the production of layered articles whic include coatings of polyvinyl alcohol. The subject referenc teaches coating polyvinyl alcohol on a paper membrane whereb it is taught that the coated paper is soluble in either hig or low temperature water. Again, it is incorrect to believ that a cellulose sheet material would be "soluble" in a aqueous solution. At best, cellulose merely disperses Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 4,343,133 teaches the coating o polyvinyl alcohol onto a non-woven fiber sheet impregnate with latices of polyvinyl acetate in the manufacture of premoistened towelette which can be disposed of by flushin in plain water without danger of clogging a plumbing system There has been J the teaching of various medica related products which are generally in the form of article coated with polyvinyl alcohol employed to enhance disposal For example, European Patent Application No. 87310534. (Publication No. 0272816) teaches the production of an ostom pouch which can be disposed of in a toilet bowel. The pouc is constructed from laminants of water swellable cold wate insoluble films and water-resistant tissue paper. Similarly U.K. Patent Application No. 2211088 teaches the production of a liner for a bed pan or urine bottle made of polyvinyl alcohol. It is taught that the liner may be disposed of b treatment with water at a temperature above that which i dissolves. Both U.K. Patent No. 1,187,690 and Japanese Paten No. 72041741 teach the production of stand alone polyviny alcohol films which are water soluble. The U.K. patent teache the production of hospital bags and packing material for suc products as detergents and agricultural chemicals while th Japanese patent teaches the use of polyvinyl alcohol films t make laundry bags which dissolve releasing soiled garment contained therein. However, neither reference teaches th unique films of the present invention which can be configure into useful garments and like materials and which are soluble in aqueous solutions only above a threshold value. It is a desire in the creation of the presen invention to provide a method of disposing of garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles after us while avoiding additional burdens being placed upon landfill disposal sites. It is yet a further desire to provide a method o disposing of garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles after use such that the garment can be solubilize and medical waste substantially sterilized in a singl operation. These and further desires will be more readil appreciated while considering the following disclosure an appended claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention involves a method of disposing of garments after use which comprises providing the garments as sheets or as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polymer or fiber. The polymer or fabric garments are water soluble only at temperatures above approximately the normal body temperature (37°C). The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles composed of said polymer formulation are subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve th garments whereupon the water and dissolved polymer ar subjected to disposal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention deals with the disposal of fil or fabric configured into such garments and articles a drapes, towels, covers, overwraps, gowns, head coverings, fac masks, shoe coverings, CSR wraps, sponges, dressings, tapes, underpads, diapers, wash cloths, sheets, pillow covers, napkins and woven, non-woven, or otherwise formed fabric. Suc products are generally employed in the medical industry bot in hospitals, outpatient facilities and home environments. Many of these products generally come into contac with human bodily fluids and their disposal and disinfectio has become a matter of major concern in light of the lack o biodegradability of prior products and the potential sprea of human fluid-born diseases such as hepatitis B and AIDS. In order to cope with these difficulties, it i proposed that polymer or fabric employed in the manufactur of such items be composed of polymer films and/or fibers whic are soluble in hot aqueous baths, including water, eithe alone or with the addition of surfactants, salts and bleache above 37°C and preferably above 50°C. Such fibers or sheet would be insoluble in cold to warm baths below 37°C, th average temperature of the human body. Ideally, the polyme or fabric would be soluble in baths only above 50°C, and, mos preferably the polymer or fabric garments would be solubl only in aqueous media between 80°C to 90°C. Garments which are soluble in aqueous media belo 37°C are useless as inadvertent secretion of bodily fluid such as blood and urine would cause the polymer to solubilize. Working with polymer which dissolves only at highe temperatures such as above 50°C or, ideally between 80°C an 90°C would prevent inadvertent solubilization yet remain ideal in practicing the present invention. It is contemplated that disposal in a hot water bath such as a washing machine at o near the boiling point of water dedicated solely t solubilizing garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles produced herein would also be an effective disinfecting media. As such, two objectives would be accomplished, namely, that the polymer or sheets would be disinfected and would be solubilized for disposal through the sewer system. Not only would this lessen the burden now being imposed upon current landfill sites but liquid sewer disposal would prove a comparative low cost technique in ridding the user of such used garments. Polymer or sheet materials useful in practicing the present method comprise polyvinyl alcohol with or without acetyl groups, cross-linked or uncross-linked. The garments are comprised of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer that has been highly crystallized by post drawing or heat annealing. Ideal for use in the present invention would be a highly crystallized, at least approximately 98% saponified polyvinyl acetate. Commercially, polyvinyl alcohol sold under the trademark Vinex 1003™ and 1002™ by Air Products could be used herein. Useful fibers are typically 0.5 denier to 5.0 denier and are preferably from 1.0-2.0 denier and most preferably sized at 1.2-1.5 denier. A commercially available product for use in the present invention is either type T-B (VEE 1290) or type T-5 (VPB 101) which are each available from Kuralon as its PVA fiber. This material is sold in 44mm lengths. The T-B product is sized at 1.2 denier while the T-5 product is sold in 38mm staple lengths of 1.5 denier. The fabric useful in practicing the present invention can be constructed by any well known technique for making woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric. Such non-woven techniques useful in practicing the present invention include spun bonding, melt blowing or wet laying, hydroentangling with cold water and/or thermally bonding with 30-70% of the surface melted to form, for example, a diamond pattern. When products, such as diapers, are configured of sheets of suitable thermoplastic material, the sheets are approximately 1 to 6 mils in thickness and more preferably 1 to 3 mils in thickness and most preferably approximately 1.5 mils in thickness. Suitable non-woven fabric or sheets are approximately from 15g/yd 2 to 200g/yd 2 in weight and more preferably from 20g/yd 2 to 70g/ 2 and most preferably from 25g/yd 2 to 80g/yd 2 . Knitted or woven fabrics are approximatel 50% heavier as needed for binding tapes, cuffs and relate appendages. As noted in U.K. Patent No. 1,187,690, it is desirable to maintain a minimum level of moisture content o polyvinyl alcohol pellets prior to melt extrusion. Th reference teaches that if moisture content of a fil composition exceeds two percent by weight, steam evolve during the melt extrusion leading to the formation of fin holes or cavities in the film. However, while the present invention als contemplates drying to a level of approximately 0.5% (wt. water or less the polyvinyl alcohol pellets before extrusio and, subsequent to the film formation, moisture i reintroduced back into the film to prevent brittleness an maintain usefulness. It is contemplated that the final PV film have between 1.5 to 15% (wt.), preferably 5 to 10% (wt.) and most preferably approximately 7.5% (wt.) moisture content In order to further enhance the usability of shee material produced principally of polyvinyl alcohol, it i contemplated that an anti-blocking agent be employed to reduc hydrogen bonding between adjacent hydroxyl groups on separat sheets. Suitable anti-blocking agents are members selecte from the group consisting of silicon dioxide (Sioz) polymer talc, calcium carbonate and fumed hydrophilic Si02. Suc material should be employed between 0.1 to 5.0% (wt.) and mos preferably between 2 to 3% (wt.) based upon the weight of th polyvinyl alcohol. As noted previously, polymer or sheet materia useful in practicing the present invention is comprised o polyvinyl alcohol with or without acetyl groups, cross-linke or uncross-linked. It is proposed that the polyvinyl alcoho be substantially fully hydrolyzed, that is, having 98% o greater hydrolyzed acetyl groups. For the sake of adequate mechanical strength polyvinyl alcohol-based sheet material should have a degre of polymerization of at least 700 and no greater tha approximately 1500. Ideally, such materials should have degree of polymerization of approximately 900 and b substantially crystallized. It is also noted that in producing polyvinyl alcohol resins from the saponification of polyvinyl acetate, impurities such as sodium acetate and sodium sulfate are found in the resin. To provide a suitable film material, such impurities must be kept below 1/2% (wt.) and preferably below 1/4% (wt.) of the polyvinyl alcohol resin. This can be accomplished with a methanol water rinse or extraction. To enhance the manufacture of suitable polyvinyl alcohol resin-based film materials, suitable quantities of a plasticizer are necessary. It is contemplated that up to 15% (wt.) of a suitable plasticizer such as glycerine or polyethylene glycol be employed to assist in providing a smooth melt extrusion from the polyvinyl alcohol-based pellets. As examples the following fabric samples were manufactured on conventional thermal bonding equipment. Fibre Kuralon T-5 PVA (1.5 denier , 38 mm staple length) Pattern No. 2 2 2 1 1 Fabric Wt. (gms/sq.yd) 27 44 47 35 43 Thickness (mi -1) 15 12 17 14 16 Tensiles- (Grab-lbs) Dry MD 8. ,3 11.7 16.6 13.8 16.1 Wet MD 3. ,2 4.8 4.6 3.1 6.0 Dry CD 2. ,0 2.3 4.3 3.8 5.2 Wet CD 1. 0 1.5 1.7 1.3 2.3 Elongation(%) Dry MD 11 10 12 12 11 Dry CD 48 30 38 19 22 Mullen Burst (p8i) Dry 11 15 19 13 16 Wet 10 14 19 13 15 I.D. TL* -0079.0 79.1 79.2 080.0 0080.1 Hanle-0-Meter (g s) 84 244 432 173 244 Trap Tear-MD 1.7 2.1 3.5 2.7 2.9 CD 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.6 0.7 It was found that the above-manufactured fabric displayed nearly identical physical properties similar to fabric manufactured from polyester and polypropylene. However, the fabric manufactured above was unaffected by cool or warm water (23-37°C) but when exposed to hot water (80-90°C) , immediately dissolved. It is oftentimes desirable that the film be colored with pigments or dyes such as azo or anthraquinone molecules. Useful dyes include acids, basics, disperse, reactives and vats. The pigments and dyes should be employed in an amount between approximately 0.25 to 3.0% (wt.) based upon the weight of the polymeric polyvinyl alcohol. Surprisingly, it has been found that the incorporation of a water repellent within the polyvinyl alcohol film or fabric is quite a useful adjunct to minimize surface attack by liquid moisture at a temperature lower than that at which solubility occurs. It has been found that even with polyvinyl alcohol films and fabrics which become water soluble only at elevated temperatures, when exposed to water, the surface of such material tends to take on a slick "feel" and the use of water repellents tends to minimize this effect. Suitable repellents include fluorocarbons offered by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. sold under its trademarks FC 824 and 808. These materials are useful in the range of between 0.1 to 2.0% (wt.) based upon the weight of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A method of disposing of garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles after use comprising providing said garment, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles as a stand alone thermoplastic polymer film or fabric of polyvinyl alcohol including polyvinyl alcohol fiber which is water soluble only at temperatures above 37°C and insoluble at temperatures below 37°C and subjecting said garments after use to an aqueous bath to dissolve said garments whereupon said dissolved polymer is subjected to disposal, said polyvinyl alcohol polymer being produced by reducing its moisture content prior to melt extrusion and subsequent thereto, increasing its moisture content to a value between approximately 0.5 to 15.0% (wt.), said polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of polymerization between approximately 700 to 1500 being produced from crystallized, at least approximately 98% saponified polyvinyl acetate and containing between approximately 0.1 to 5.0% (wt.) of an anti-blocking agent. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said film or fabric comprises a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer that has been highly crystallized by postdrawing or by heat annealing and wherein said fabric is woven, non-woven or knitted of said thermoplastic polymer. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said thermoplastic polymer film or fabric is water soluble only at temperatures above 50°C and preferably between 80°C and 90°C and insoluble at temperatures below 50°C. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said film or fabric is a non-woven thermoplastic polymer of polyvinyl alcohol having a weight of approximately 25-80 g/yd 2 ; said fiber being within the following ranges: 0.5-5.0 denier in size; 1.0-2.0 denier in size; or 1.2-1.5 denier in size, and wherein said fabric is prepared from said fiber by: spun bonding; melt blowing; wet laying and hydroentangling said fiber; or thermally bonding said fiber. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said fiber is thermally bonded after hydroentangle ent. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein approximately 30-70% of the fabric surface is melted by thermal bonding. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said thermoplastic polymer film or fabric is configured into a member selected from the group consisting of drapes, towels, covers, overwraps, gowns, head covers, face masks, shoe coverings, CSR wraps, sponges, dressings, tapes, underpads, diapers, wash cloths, sheets, pillow covers and napkins. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein said moisture content after melt extrusion is increased to approximately 5 to 10% (wt.) and preferably 7.5%. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein said anti-blocking agent comprises a member selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide polymer, talc, calcium carbonate and fumed hydrophilic silicon dioxide, said anti-blocking agent being contained in said polyvinyl alcohol in an amount between approximately 2 to 3% (wt.) , having a degree of polymerization of approximately 900 and wherein any contaminants contained within said polymer of polyvinyl alcohol are maintained below approximately 0.5% (wt.). 10. The method of claim 1 wherein said polyvinyl alcohol polymer further contains up to approximately 15% (wt.) of a plasticizer and wherein said plasticizer comprises a member selected from the group consisting of glycerine and polyethylene glycol. 11. The method of claim 1 wherein said film of polyvinyl alcohol is made from a process selected from the group consisting of blow extrusion, cast extrusion and solution casting and wherein said polymeric film or fabric includes a coloring pigment or coloring dye, said coloring pigment comprises a member selected from the group consisting of an azo and anthraquinone molecule and wherein said coloring pigment or coloring dye is contained within said polymeric film or fabric in an amount between approximately 0.25 to 3.0% (wt.). 12. The method of claim l wherein said polymeric film or fabric includes a water repellent agent said water repellent agent is contained within said polymeric film or fabric in an amount between approximately 0.1 to 2.0% (wt.). 13. Useful articles characterized as being water soluble only at temperatures above 37° C. , said useful articles comprised of polymeric film or fabric of polyvinyl alcohol including polyvinyl alcohol fiber, said film, fabric or fiber being configured into one or more members selected from the group consisting of drapes, towels, covers, overwraps, gowns, head covers, face masks, shoe coverings, CSR wraps, sponges, dressings, tapes, underpads, diapers, wash cloths, sheets, pillow covers and napkins, said polyvinyl alcohol polymer being produced by reducing its moisture content prior to melt extrusion and subsequent thereto increasing its moisture content to a value between approximately 0.5 to 15.0% (wt.), said polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of polymerization between approximately 700 to 1500 being produced from crystalline at least approximately 98% saponified polyvinyl acetate and containing between approximately 0.1 to 5.0% (wt.) of an anti-blocking agent. 14. The useful articles of claim 13 wherein said film, fabric or fiber comprises a polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer that has been highly crystallized by postdrawing or by heat annealing. 15. The useful articles of claim 13 wherein said moisture content after melt extrusion is increased to approximately 5 to 10% (wt.) and preferably 7.5% (wt.). 16. The useful articles of claim 13 wherein said anti-blocking agent comprises a member selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide polymer, talc, calcium carbonate and fumed hydrophilic silicon dioxide, said anti-blocking agent is contained in said polyvinyl alcohol in an amount between approximately 2 to 3% (wt.) said polyvinyl alcohol polymer has a degree of polymerization of approximately 900, said polyvinyl alcohol polymer further contains up to approximately 15% (wt.) of a plasticizer, said plasticizer comprising a member selected from the group consisting of glycerine and polyethylene glycol, any contaminants contained within said polymer of polyvinyl alcohol are maintained below approximately 0.5% (wt.) and said fabric is woven, non-woven or knitted of said thermoplastic polymer fiber. 17. The useful articles of claim 13 wherein said thermoplastic polymer is water soluble only at temperatures above 50°C and preferably above 80°C - 90°C and insoluble at temperatures below 50°C. 18. The useful articles of claim 13 wherein said fabric is composed of a non-woven thermoplastic polymer of polyvinyl alcohol having a weight of approximately 25-80g/yd 2 , said fiber is approximately 0.5-5.0 denier in size, 1.0-2.0 denier in size, 1.2-1.5 denier in size, said fabric being prepared from said fiber by spun bonding; melt blowing; wet laying and hydroentangling said fiber, or thermally bonding said fiber. 19. The useful articles of claim 13 wherein said fabric is thermally bonded after hydroentanglement of said fiber. 20. The useful articles of claim 13 wherein approximately 30-70% of the fabric surface is melted by thermal bonding. 21. The useful articles of claim 13 wherein said film of polyvinyl alcohol is made from a process selected from the group consisting of blow extrusion, cast extrusion and solution casting wherein said polymeric film or fabric includes a coloring pigment or coloring dye, said coloring pigment comprising a member selected from the group consisting of an azo and anthraquinone molecule, said coloring pigment or coloring dye being contained with said polymeric film or fabric in an amount between approximately 0.25 to 3.0% (wt.) . 22. The useful articles of claim 13 wherein said polymeric film or fabric includes a water repellent agent, said water repellent agent is contained within said polymeric film or fabric in an amount between approximately 0.1 to 2.0% (wt.).

Inventors: HONEYCUTT TRAVIS W, HONEYCUTT, TRAVIS, W.
Applicants: HONEYCUTT TRAVIS W, HONEYCUTT, TRAVIS, W.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: B08B7
IPC codes: A61F13, A61L15, B09B3, B09B5, C08J11, D01F6, D03D15, D04H1, D06M11, D06M101